The first Finals Day of the East Coast leg is set at the World Surf League (WSL) Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000. Winds coming from the Northeast provided an uptick in swell that provided an array of scoring opportunity and competitors who could find the moments flourished. Men's Round of 64, Heats 13 - 16, Round of 32, and Quarterfinals ran in their entirety alongside the women's top seeds making their Quarterfinal debuts. Now, two victors are set to be crowned at 1st Street Jetty and add their name alongside Coastal Edge ECSC history.
Owen Moss (USA) gearing up for a big day of competition before posting the day's best performance. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
East Coast's Own Owen Moss Finds Another Gear for Finals Day Showing
After surfing through his debut on opening day, Owen MossOwen Moss returned to the jersey in superb form to post a near-perfect 9.00 (out of a possible 10) single-wave score and 16.60 (out of a possible 20) heat total in his Round of 32 fight. Both stood as the day's best before overpowering a stout Quarterfinal affair featuring West Coast standout Taj LindbladTaj Lindblad, fellow East Coaster Carl BurgerCarl Burger, and Canada's Reed PlateniusReed Platenius. Moss was able to tap into form once again and moves into Finals Day with plenty of steam.
"I'm feeling good and going into Finals Day with a lot of momentum after a couple good heats today," said Moss. "I had to overcome some challenges. That last heat was a battle with everyone posting a 7 or better so I just wanted to wait and find my wave. I just want to keep having fun. That's the main thing when it's tough like this and just keep it simple."
Wheeler Hasburgh (CAN) found his form and carried it through two heats in defining form. - WSL / Dylan O'Donnell
Wheeler Hasburgh Deals Out Heavy Blow to Local Supporters
A blitzing day for the men's contingent began with the remaining Round of 64 heats before delving into the Round of 32 and Quarterfinal bouts to provide action throughout the day. A phenomenal showing from rising threat Wheeler HasburghWheeler Hasburghcarried through both the Round of 32 and Quarterfinals, culminating in a heavyweight heat against two of Virginia Beach's own, Michael DunphyMichael Dunphy and Blayr Barton, alongside an in-form Sam ReidySam Reidy. Hasburgh's 14.85 heat total held firm as Barton's ability to find gems in the rough earned him an advancing position, eliminating Dunphy.
"On paper that heat was so heavy with two local guys who have been ripping and know this wave better than anyone," said Hasburgh. "I just focused on finding that zen and surfed like I had already won the heat because I knew I'd have to give it my best. It's been working for me and I'm stoked to be working on that mental side of things to help me through heats. Now hopefully just more of the same tomorrow and carry it foward."
Also, an in-form Taro Watanabe and Jairo PerezJairo Perez made their surge into Finals Day with massive Quarterfinal victories.
Eden Walla (USA) fresh out of a stunning debut in the Quarterfinals. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Eden Walla's Electric Start Pushes the Scale
The West Coast contenders made their noise in defining fashion and San Clemente's Eden WallaEden Walla paved the way toward Semifinal draws. Walla's forehand power in the testy conditions led to a near-perfect 9.00 single-wave score and 15.25 heat total. The emerging contender's form looks unstoppable heading into a big Finals Day alongside Florida's Alana LopezAlana Lopez, who posted an 8.00 of her own.
"That last wave was insane, I couldn't believe it and it was the best wave I caught all week" said Walla. "It was really good for my confidence knowing I could find a score out there. I really just want to have fun and focus on surfing good. Coming into these WSL heats I definitely feel a little more nerve-racked than I do the amateurs so it's nice to show my surfing here."
Lanea Mons (USA) wasted no time showcasing her decimating backhand attack. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Lanea Mons Makes Easy Work of Her Debut
Florida's Lanea MonsLanea Mons pushed her performance in the smaller conditions to post a brilliant 14.00 heat total. Mons' backhand attack led to one of the morning's top scores of a 7.40 to elevate her score line heading into the final minutes. Now, Mons is back in the Semifinals at the Virginia Beach Pro and looking to go one better this time around.
"I'm super happy to be back into Finals Day here and I've just been waiting all week to surf so I was super excited going into that heat," said Mons. "The waves were pretty fun actually and I'm stoked to get through that one. It's been so small I've just been trying to figure it out and this morning I was trying out a new epoxy that got shipped here last minute and it worked so good.
A clutch, Quarterfinal debut heat win from Vela MattiveVela Mattive added her name to Semifinals alongside an in-form Zoey KainaZoey Kaina - who also earned a second-consecutive heat win. Now, the 2024 Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC titles are up for grabs with Finals Day locked in.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT start.
Day 2: Women Surge in 2024 VB Debuts
The World Surf League (WSL) Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, returned to action following a lay day and the women ripped through their Round of 24 debuts. More testy, one-to-two foot conditions challenged the rising North America threats but still showcased their abilities to overpower small waves. The men's Round of 64, Heats 13 - 16, were called OFF along with the women's Round of 16.
Zoey Kaina (USA) all smiles after emerging victorious from a tough first heat. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Zoey Kaina is Back for Another Chance at VB Glory
One of the region's youngest competitors, Zoey Kaina, capitalized on the sets that pulsed through the 1st Street Jetty lineup and accrued a solid 12.25 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Kaina, 13, earned a career-best Semifinal appearance here in 2023 and now has her goals set for more this year. A battle for an advancing position ensued between Puerto Rico's next generation of MÃamar Soto and Mya Kuzmovich with Soto earning the nod alongside Kaina's in-form debut.
"My plan was to try and get a wave right away and not to be too picky on the set waves since it was slow and you didn't know when they were coming through," said Kaina. "It feels good for the confidence to win a heat. It's super cool that I made Semifinals last year and this year I really want to make the Final."
Bailey Turner's (USA) backhand attack paved the way to the women's top performance. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Bailey Turner Goes Excellent in more Testy Conditions
Huntington Beach's Bailey Turner found the morning gem to post an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10) on her backhand attack. Turner linked together two impressive turns, pushing the fins clear on the finishing section and surged into the top-seeded Round of 16 with a day's best 12.65 heat total. Now, Turner has a big result in her sights to start the East Coast leg.
"It was fun when they came through and you just had to be patient," said Turner. "Before I went out I told myself to only be on the good waves and don't go on any of the small ones. You end up standing up not able to do much and then lose priority so I waited for the two best waves. It feels good to get the first heat done and to get some confidence in smaller waves moving forward."
Mia Moore (USA) held firm in her 2024 Virginia Beach beach debut. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Alana Lopez - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Mia Moore and Alana Lopez Notch Debut Wins into Round of 16
Also earning clutch debut wins, Mia Moore utilized her backhand attack alongside Alana Lopez impressive form to storm toward the Round of 16. Moore looks to bring the coveted Virginia Beach Pro title back to California while Lopez is on a mission all her own to keep it on the East Coast after fellow Floridian Zoe Benedetto's win in 2023.
Alana Lopez (USA) rounded out women's debut victors for her Round of 16 appearance. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. EDT for a possible 7:30 a.m. EDT start.
Day 1: North America's Contenders Overpower Testy Conditions to Start
The North America QS contenders returned to the famed 1st Street Jetty in Virginia Beach and overpowered testy conditions alongside the 62 Annual Coastal Edge ECSC. A marathon day ensued with grindy performances, top seeds flourishing, and early event threats hammering through what was on offer from the Atlantic Ocean. Now, remaining men's top seeds await their debut alongside women set to make their starts when competition resumes.
The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) contenders are back for the Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC, a men's and women's QS 1,000, and a chance at adding their names to East Coast surfing legacy. This event reignites the race for Challenger Series qualification with the North America season poised for a big year ahead and every point matters. Local and East Coast competitors are set to face some of the region's heavy hitters from the West Coast, Central America, and more.
Blayr Barton (USA) is back after a devastating injury removed him from his local event in 2023. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Local talent, and reigning North America Pro Junior Regional victor, Blayr Barton used his patience waiting for his opportunity to strike and found an afternoon gem. Barton's forehand attack slammed into the oncoming section to post a 6.50 (out of a possible 10) and the Round of 64's best heat total, a 12.85 (out of a possible 20). Now, the Sandbridge competitor has the initial weight off his shoulders and looks for more in the Round of 32.
"It's a big relief to make that heat after what I've been surfing the last few days in the Outer Banks," said Barton. "It's rough for everybody and it's anyone's game right now. I waited about 11 minutes and didn't really know what I was waiting for and I was psyched to get that one to bring the stress levels down. I wasn't able to do this event last year with my injury so it's great to do it this year and do both events on the East Coast."
Fellow Virginia Beach competitor, former event winner, Michael Dunphy also earned a big heat win.
One of the event's youngest competitors, Giacomo Mesinas (USA), made a stunning QS debut. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Giacomo Mesinas made his QS debut well worthwhile. The 13-year-old, Mesinas, grew up watching his cousin, former Championship Tour (CT) competitor, Lucca Mesinas take on events and now looks to step into the jersey all his own. Mesinas posted a day's best 13.25 heat total in his Round of 98 heat before advancing in both the Round of 96 and Round of 64 behind an in-form Dylan Hord - besting early standout Tommaso Layson.
"Since I was about five I've been coming here and watching my brother and cousins so it was cool to do my first QS," said Mesinas. "I didn't really know what to expect and just wanted to have fun. Tommy [Layson] is a big inspiration and we were in Florida when his dad told us we should come up so I'm glad we did, but it was tough to seem him lose. Hopefully, I can keep it going and it's cool to be surfing against the older guys."
East Coast's own Owen Moss (USA) came out firing - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Recent Challenger Series competitor Owen Moss brought that confidence back to the QS and laid down a powerful performance in the dropping conditions. One of North Carolina's newcomers, Moss earned his way into the 2024 World Junior Championships and now has his eyes set on more QS success after a maiden victory earlier this year in Cocoa Beach.
"It's nice to get started early and just lay into the one-turn waves, and you just have to have fun," said Moss. "Coming off the Challenger Series is a big part of that feeling of momentum and I just want to stay in the jersey. Hopefully I can get some more here on the East Coast and head into Portugal with a lot of momentum over there."
Also notching Round of 64 wins, North America standouts Taro Watanabe, Kei Kobayashi, Tyler Gunter, Cannon Carr, and Wheeler Hasburgh join Carl Burger, Jairo Perez and Luke Rebensdorf - who emerged from the Round of 96 before Round of 64 wins.
QS newcomer Lukas McMahon (FIN) kicked off his Virginia Beach run in dynamic form. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Lukas McMahon debuted in polished form to post one of the day's best performances, including the highest single-wave score of a 7.75. Del Mar, California's McMahon represents his Finnish lineage and brought bravado to the tough lower tide conditions in the Round of 96, Heat 15. Now, McMahon will look to keep his momentum alive into the Round of 64 when competition resumes.
"If I could just find a right with a good section on it you could get a 5.00 and I had priority, dropped in and it gave me two sections so I was stoked to hear that score," said McMahon. "I'm riding an epoxy from Xanadu and it goes really good when it's tough, and it's been small this summer at home so it works out. My mom is from Finland so it's cool to represent them in the ISA and stoked to make a heat here, and see if I can keep going."
McMahon joins Thomas Meekins, Titus Santucci, and Oscar Urbina with clutch Round of 96 wins and await their Round of 64 bouts.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT start.
Daily Recap: Massive Moving Day Decides Semifinalist at Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC
Andrew Nichols
The first Finals Day of the East Coast leg is set at the World Surf League (WSL) Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000. Winds coming from the Northeast provided an uptick in swell that provided an array of scoring opportunity and competitors who could find the moments flourished. Men's Round of 64, Heats 13 - 16, Round of 32, and Quarterfinals ran in their entirety alongside the women's top seeds making their Quarterfinal debuts. Now, two victors are set to be crowned at 1st Street Jetty and add their name alongside Coastal Edge ECSC history.
East Coast's Own Owen Moss Finds Another Gear for Finals Day Showing
After surfing through his debut on opening day, Owen MossOwen Moss returned to the jersey in superb form to post a near-perfect 9.00 (out of a possible 10) single-wave score and 16.60 (out of a possible 20) heat total in his Round of 32 fight. Both stood as the day's best before overpowering a stout Quarterfinal affair featuring West Coast standout Taj LindbladTaj Lindblad, fellow East Coaster Carl BurgerCarl Burger, and Canada's Reed PlateniusReed Platenius. Moss was able to tap into form once again and moves into Finals Day with plenty of steam.
"I'm feeling good and going into Finals Day with a lot of momentum after a couple good heats today," said Moss. "I had to overcome some challenges. That last heat was a battle with everyone posting a 7 or better so I just wanted to wait and find my wave. I just want to keep having fun. That's the main thing when it's tough like this and just keep it simple."
Wheeler Hasburgh Deals Out Heavy Blow to Local Supporters
A blitzing day for the men's contingent began with the remaining Round of 64 heats before delving into the Round of 32 and Quarterfinal bouts to provide action throughout the day. A phenomenal showing from rising threat Wheeler HasburghWheeler Hasburghcarried through both the Round of 32 and Quarterfinals, culminating in a heavyweight heat against two of Virginia Beach's own, Michael DunphyMichael Dunphy and Blayr Barton, alongside an in-form Sam ReidySam Reidy. Hasburgh's 14.85 heat total held firm as Barton's ability to find gems in the rough earned him an advancing position, eliminating Dunphy.
"On paper that heat was so heavy with two local guys who have been ripping and know this wave better than anyone," said Hasburgh. "I just focused on finding that zen and surfed like I had already won the heat because I knew I'd have to give it my best. It's been working for me and I'm stoked to be working on that mental side of things to help me through heats. Now hopefully just more of the same tomorrow and carry it foward."
Also, an in-form Taro Watanabe and Jairo PerezJairo Perez made their surge into Finals Day with massive Quarterfinal victories.
Eden Walla's Electric Start Pushes the Scale
The West Coast contenders made their noise in defining fashion and San Clemente's Eden WallaEden Walla paved the way toward Semifinal draws. Walla's forehand power in the testy conditions led to a near-perfect 9.00 single-wave score and 15.25 heat total. The emerging contender's form looks unstoppable heading into a big Finals Day alongside Florida's Alana LopezAlana Lopez, who posted an 8.00 of her own.
"That last wave was insane, I couldn't believe it and it was the best wave I caught all week" said Walla. "It was really good for my confidence knowing I could find a score out there. I really just want to have fun and focus on surfing good. Coming into these WSL heats I definitely feel a little more nerve-racked than I do the amateurs so it's nice to show my surfing here."
Lanea Mons Makes Easy Work of Her Debut
Florida's Lanea MonsLanea Mons pushed her performance in the smaller conditions to post a brilliant 14.00 heat total. Mons' backhand attack led to one of the morning's top scores of a 7.40 to elevate her score line heading into the final minutes. Now, Mons is back in the Semifinals at the Virginia Beach Pro and looking to go one better this time around.
"I'm super happy to be back into Finals Day here and I've just been waiting all week to surf so I was super excited going into that heat," said Mons. "The waves were pretty fun actually and I'm stoked to get through that one. It's been so small I've just been trying to figure it out and this morning I was trying out a new epoxy that got shipped here last minute and it worked so good.
A clutch, Quarterfinal debut heat win from Vela MattiveVela Mattive added her name to Semifinals alongside an in-form Zoey KainaZoey Kaina - who also earned a second-consecutive heat win. Now, the 2024 Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC titles are up for grabs with Finals Day locked in.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT start.
Day 2: Women Surge in 2024 VB Debuts
The World Surf League (WSL) Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, returned to action following a lay day and the women ripped through their Round of 24 debuts. More testy, one-to-two foot conditions challenged the rising North America threats but still showcased their abilities to overpower small waves. The men's Round of 64, Heats 13 - 16, were called OFF along with the women's Round of 16.
Zoey Kaina is Back for Another Chance at VB Glory
One of the region's youngest competitors, Zoey Kaina, capitalized on the sets that pulsed through the 1st Street Jetty lineup and accrued a solid 12.25 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Kaina, 13, earned a career-best Semifinal appearance here in 2023 and now has her goals set for more this year. A battle for an advancing position ensued between Puerto Rico's next generation of MÃamar Soto and Mya Kuzmovich with Soto earning the nod alongside Kaina's in-form debut.
"My plan was to try and get a wave right away and not to be too picky on the set waves since it was slow and you didn't know when they were coming through," said Kaina. "It feels good for the confidence to win a heat. It's super cool that I made Semifinals last year and this year I really want to make the Final."
Bailey Turner Goes Excellent in more Testy Conditions
Huntington Beach's Bailey Turner found the morning gem to post an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10) on her backhand attack. Turner linked together two impressive turns, pushing the fins clear on the finishing section and surged into the top-seeded Round of 16 with a day's best 12.65 heat total. Now, Turner has a big result in her sights to start the East Coast leg.
"It was fun when they came through and you just had to be patient," said Turner. "Before I went out I told myself to only be on the good waves and don't go on any of the small ones. You end up standing up not able to do much and then lose priority so I waited for the two best waves. It feels good to get the first heat done and to get some confidence in smaller waves moving forward."
Mia Moore and Alana Lopez Notch Debut Wins into Round of 16
Also earning clutch debut wins, Mia Moore utilized her backhand attack alongside Alana Lopez impressive form to storm toward the Round of 16. Moore looks to bring the coveted Virginia Beach Pro title back to California while Lopez is on a mission all her own to keep it on the East Coast after fellow Floridian Zoe Benedetto's win in 2023.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. EDT for a possible 7:30 a.m. EDT start.
Day 1: North America's Contenders Overpower Testy Conditions to Start
The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) contenders are back for the Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC, a men's and women's QS 1,000, and a chance at adding their names to East Coast surfing legacy. This event reignites the race for Challenger Series qualification with the North America season poised for a big year ahead and every point matters. Local and East Coast competitors are set to face some of the region's heavy hitters from the West Coast, Central America, and more.
Local talent, and reigning North America Pro Junior Regional victor, Blayr Barton used his patience waiting for his opportunity to strike and found an afternoon gem. Barton's forehand attack slammed into the oncoming section to post a 6.50 (out of a possible 10) and the Round of 64's best heat total, a 12.85 (out of a possible 20). Now, the Sandbridge competitor has the initial weight off his shoulders and looks for more in the Round of 32.
"It's a big relief to make that heat after what I've been surfing the last few days in the Outer Banks," said Barton. "It's rough for everybody and it's anyone's game right now. I waited about 11 minutes and didn't really know what I was waiting for and I was psyched to get that one to bring the stress levels down. I wasn't able to do this event last year with my injury so it's great to do it this year and do both events on the East Coast."
Fellow Virginia Beach competitor, former event winner, Michael Dunphy also earned a big heat win.
Giacomo Mesinas made his QS debut well worthwhile. The 13-year-old, Mesinas, grew up watching his cousin, former Championship Tour (CT) competitor, Lucca Mesinas take on events and now looks to step into the jersey all his own. Mesinas posted a day's best 13.25 heat total in his Round of 98 heat before advancing in both the Round of 96 and Round of 64 behind an in-form Dylan Hord - besting early standout Tommaso Layson.
"Since I was about five I've been coming here and watching my brother and cousins so it was cool to do my first QS," said Mesinas. "I didn't really know what to expect and just wanted to have fun. Tommy [Layson] is a big inspiration and we were in Florida when his dad told us we should come up so I'm glad we did, but it was tough to seem him lose. Hopefully, I can keep it going and it's cool to be surfing against the older guys."
Recent Challenger Series competitor Owen Moss brought that confidence back to the QS and laid down a powerful performance in the dropping conditions. One of North Carolina's newcomers, Moss earned his way into the 2024 World Junior Championships and now has his eyes set on more QS success after a maiden victory earlier this year in Cocoa Beach.
"It's nice to get started early and just lay into the one-turn waves, and you just have to have fun," said Moss. "Coming off the Challenger Series is a big part of that feeling of momentum and I just want to stay in the jersey. Hopefully I can get some more here on the East Coast and head into Portugal with a lot of momentum over there."
Also notching Round of 64 wins, North America standouts Taro Watanabe, Kei Kobayashi, Tyler Gunter, Cannon Carr, and Wheeler Hasburgh join Carl Burger, Jairo Perez and Luke Rebensdorf - who emerged from the Round of 96 before Round of 64 wins.
Lukas McMahon debuted in polished form to post one of the day's best performances, including the highest single-wave score of a 7.75. Del Mar, California's McMahon represents his Finnish lineage and brought bravado to the tough lower tide conditions in the Round of 96, Heat 15. Now, McMahon will look to keep his momentum alive into the Round of 64 when competition resumes.
"If I could just find a right with a good section on it you could get a 5.00 and I had priority, dropped in and it gave me two sections so I was stoked to hear that score," said McMahon. "I'm riding an epoxy from Xanadu and it goes really good when it's tough, and it's been small this summer at home so it works out. My mom is from Finland so it's cool to represent them in the ISA and stoked to make a heat here, and see if I can keep going."
McMahon joins Thomas Meekins, Titus Santucci, and Oscar Urbina with clutch Round of 96 wins and await their Round of 64 bouts.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT start.
Owen Moss
Arecibo Welcomes WSL for Inaugural QS, First Call 7:00 a.m. EST
Kicking off the 2024/2025 season in good form, Owen Moss sits atop the North America leaderboard after three events heading into Puerto
Lanea Mons Wins First WSL Event on Home Coast, Owen Moss Capitalizes Near Home, Earns Second QS Victory, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin and Lucas
The rising threat Owen Moss cemented his name on the East Coast with another victory, this time in home waters. Moss' quick start
Virginia Beach's Own Blayr Barton Claims First QS Win at Home, Alana Lopez Claims Maiden WSL Victory for East Coast Sweep
North America
Aerial antics, power surfing, and everything in between set the stage for a massive finish in Cerritos Beach.
The former CT veteran Kolohe Andino established his world-class form in a stunning Round of 64 debut, posting a 9.00 and 15.33 heat total.
Federacion of Puerto Rico Surf Brings WSL Back in a Major Way
Eden Walla Makes History as Youngest Super Girl Surf Pro Victor